The independent panel tasked with drawing new political lines that the state will use for the next decade is expecting to wrap up its work in the next few weeks, despite opposition from many of the Republicans that control state government.

At yesterday’s IRC meeting, Voting Rights Act consultant Bruce Adelson repeatedly emphasized that DOJ likes to see a lot of debate and discussion about Voting Rights Act districts when contemplating preclearance for new maps.

Arizona's redistricting commission is trying to line up briefings by state legislators for next week to hear their views on proposed draft legislative and congressional maps now being retooled by the commission.

Despite that minimal sign of reconciliation, Stertz told our reporter this morning that he doesn’t trust Mathis. When asked if he trusted the chair, he paused a moment before answering: “No. I’m waiting for actions. Actions speak louder than words.”

Gov. Jan Brewer today said she won’t call a special legislative session to either repeal or reform the independent redistricting process, despite calls from some lawmakers that she do so this week.

The governor’s emphatic statement, which was released after she met with House Speaker Andy Tobin and Senate President Steve Pierce, means the chances of lawmakers convening by tomorrow to meet a deadline for placing items on the Feb. 28 ballot have all but evaporated.

Arizona's redistricting commission plans Tuesday to resume work on new maps of congressional and legislative districts now that the Arizona Supreme Court has undone Gov. Jan Brewer's attempt to fire the commission's chair.